All students who attend Monroe County Middle School will be expected to maintain a neat and well-groomed appearance. Behavior patterns are affected by the clothing we wear, and when students are properly attired, they are more reserved in their behavior. Both our community and visitors to our school judge Monroe County Middle School by the appearance and deportment of our students. Our impressions of others and the impressions of the entire school are influenced by what our students wear.   

Education covers a broad spectrum of tasks, and one objective of our schools is to assist students in preparing for life in the business and social worlds. Monroe County Middle School should help our students learn to dress in a manner that the public finds appropriate.  A student shall not dress, wear, or use emblems, insignias, badges, or symbols which reasonably are likely to distract the attention of other students in the classroom, cause disruption or interference with the operation of the school, or violate health and safety standards of the school. No clothing shall be worn that displays messages that are profane, vulgar, lewd, indecent, or sexually suggestive, contains alcohol, tobacco, or drug advertisements, or advocates criminal activity. Final approval of any questionable dress and enforcement of this code is left to the discretion of the school administration. Any student who does not comply with these guidelines must be referred by school employees to the school administration. It is not the intent of this policy to create hardship or stress on any student or parent, but rather, to provide a reasonable standard of dress. Recognizing the fact that no dress code is perfect and there may be some who will not agree on all points, we ask your cooperation in adhering to the following Dress Code Policy.  

Pants/Slacks/Shorts/Skirts/Dresses  

• Jeans, khakis, shorts no shorter than 5 inches above the knee, or tailored pants.

• Skirts or dresses no shorter than 5 inches above the knee.

Shirts/Blouses/Sweaters/Sweatshirts/Tops  

• All shirts/blouses/tops must have finished edges and be appropriately sized, including waist and length.  

• Sweaters, fleece pullovers, and sweatshirts.

Shoes  

• Appropriate shoes must be worn at all times.  (Bedroom slippers and rollers/heelys are NOT considered appropriate shoes for school.) 

Requirements  

• All clothing must be appropriately sized, including waist and length.

• No underpants may be exposed. 

• Logos are permitted within regulations.     

• Clothing, including openings, may not be any higher than 5” above the knee  

• Hair highlights are allowed at a minimum; however, hair color must not distract from the learning environment. The School Administrators will have the authority to take action on any dyed hair that is deemed to be inappropriate or distracting.

• Jeans/pants with holes or slits more than 5 inches above the knee must have material underneath the openings, not to expose bare skin. Holes and slits should not measure more than 5 inches wide/long.

Not Permitted  

• Pajamas(includes fleece and flannel pants)/Onesies

• Pants worn below the natural waist  

• Wind suits, sweat suits, jogging pants, athletic or mesh shorts, and swim trunks   

• Spandex, Lycra, or form-fitting clothing  

• Sleeveless tops, dresses, tank tops, etc. (the ball of the shoulder should not be exposed)

• Leather and Faux-Leather pants and shirts

• Waders

• Snap-away or zip-away clothing  

• See-through clothing  

• Visible undergarments, including but not limited to, underwear, bras, sports bras, tank tops, camisoles, spaghetti straps, etc.

• Clothing is worn inside out.

• Low-cut or revealing clothing, including tops tied up at the midriff

• Tops that are too short to stay tucked in, exposing the midriff when arms are raised 

• Clothing and/or accessories (belts, purses, jewelry, scarves, etc.) with beer, alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drug advertisements, vulgar writing, gang-related symbols, suggestive scenes, or clothing that displays individuals, bands, or groups, or that promotes aggression or violence (e.g., wrestling, skull/crossbones, or evil-looking characters) 

• Hats, hoods, head scarves, bandanas, or other disruptive headgear, unless approved by the administration  

• Non-jewelry items (ex. dog collar type chains, sports straps chains)  

• Sunglasses  

• Exposed tattoos  

• Body piercing jewelry, except in ears and nose rings (studs only)

• Mouth adornment (metal grills) 

• Logo or decorative areas on the zipper/front area of pants, shorts, skirts, or dresses  

• Anything the administration determines to be disruptive to the instructional process. 

• Hair highlights are allowed at a minimum; however, hair color must not distract from the learning environment. The School Administrators will have the authority to take action on any dyed hair that is deemed to be inappropriate or distracting.

Notes:  

* The measurements of shorts, skirts, dresses, etc., are taken from the top of the student’s knee.

*A student is not wearing pants at the natural waistline if the waistline of the pants or shorts is more than two inches below the navel. Pants that are two inches larger than the student’s natural waist size will be deemed oversized. 

*Chains running from a belt loop to a wallet, watch, or other part of a student’s dress are considered non-jewelry.  “Dog collar” chains, sport strap chains, can top chains, etc., are considered non-jewelry.

*Undergarments should be completely covered by outer attire.